Auxiliary controllers for warning of malfunction for electrical traffic light systems



Aug. 15, M67 J v. SELZER 3,336,574

AUXILIARY CONTROLLE 'RS FOR WARNING OF MALF'UNCTION FOR ELECTRICALTRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS Filed Feb. 15, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l r 3. l E 14TERM/M415 0/V /I )7 F/XED T/ME co/vr/Qozzg/e 7 I I Hi 70 msww Raw s M lI /4 /7 I i M 3 THERM AL RELAY l8 /8 f "r M /Z /2 F/wM CENTRAL 3m r/o/vREM. FMS/, X M T/ME 04004 M fiM/A/ 5f l ram; CKTLE Zf/VG n/ INVENTOR.

Aug. 15, 1967 AUXILIARY CONTROLLERS FOR WARNING OF MALFUNCTION FORELECTRICAL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS Filbd Feb. 15, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2CONTROLLER l NVENTOR. Jay/v M 55125 J. v. SELZER 3,336,574

United States l atent ()fiice 3,336,574 Patented Aug. 15, 1967 3,336,574AUXILIARY CONTROLLERS FOR WARNING F MALFUNCTIION FOR ELECTRICAL TRAFFICLIGHT SYSTEMS John V. Selzer, 410 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203Filed Feb. 15, 1965, Ser. No. 432,514 16 Claims. (Cl. 340-41) ABSTRACTOF THE DISCLOSURE An auxiliary control device for electric systems ispro- -vided which is capable of taking over the control of the operationof an electrical system from aprimary controller when the primarycontroller malfunctions for reasons other than a power failure. Theauxiliary controllers of the present invention are preferred for use intrafiic control in conjunction with a primary trafiic signal lightcontroller having a plurality of different light sources to flash awarning light upon failure of the signal light controller to follow apreset change pattern. The auxiliary traific controller comprises meansresponsive to the duration of time that any one of a number of lightsources is actuated for automatically giving a visual indication whenthat duration of time exceeds a predetermined value.

One of the fields in which my device will be especially useful is thatof signal systems for traflic control. In present day traffic controlsystems there are no devices capable of taking over the manipulation ofthe lights when the signal control device goes awry. Thus at present,when the control device breaks down, for other than power failure, thelights attain a status quo, with one permanently green, or amber and theother permanently red, causing an obviously abnormal and dangerouscondition at the intersection. To anticipate this situation, I havecreated a device which will step in and take over the control of thelights and which will cause one light, phase A, to flash amber (caution)and another, phase B, to flash red (stop, then go). In this way traflicautomatically would be orderly controlled Without the use of thecontroller.

More specifically, I have created a device whose leads can be attachedto the trafiic light terminals on the controller panel and which will betriggered at the beginning of the lighting cycle and cancelled at theend of the lighting cycle and which automatically will take control ofthe lights if the controller fails for other than a power failure.

It is obvious from the foregoing that in addition to its trafiicapplication, the device can be used beneficially to control industrialmachines and processes. This is especially true where an industrialmachine controller 'details steps which are harmful if improperly timedand main controller malfunctions.

A further object is to form a device which provides an auxiliary controlfor a traflic intersection.

I accomplish the above and many other objectives by forming myintersection protective device for trafiic control and my processprotection device of circuitry, a number of current switching means anda timer and a switch operated by the timer, some of said circuitry andswitching means connecting several terminals on the lamp control panelto the timer and one of the circuits connecting a power terminal to aflasher terminal on the panel through the timer operated switch.

For further comprehension of the invention and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description,the accompanying drawings and to the appended claims in which novelfeatures of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram of the invention suitable for use with afixed time controller.

FIG. 2 is a detail showing the light functioning relationship betweenthe colored lamps at a main and side street intersection.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary portion of the wiring diagram in FIG. 1 slightlyaltered to make the invention suitable for use with a semi-actuatednormally stopped controller.

In the drawing and in the specification in which like numerals indicatesimilar elements, my secondary control device 10 is shown adapted fortraffic control, and the terminals are all so designated. However, itshould be noted that the same device could be connected to the controlpanel on an industrial machine and the terminals be other elements ofthe machine.

The control device 10 (FIG. 1) is comprised in general of circuits 11, aplurality of relays 12, switches or means which can be electrically,thermally or manually controlled to open and close circuits 11 and atimer 13.

The circuitry of my control device 10 is secured to the terminals FL(flasher), C (common line), P (power line), G (green light on Phase 1,Main St.), A A or A (amber lights on Phases 2, 3, 4, secondary or sidestreets) of a fixed time traflic intersection controller and to a lineleading to a time clock or remote flasher at the control station. Thefixed time controller is one which runs continuously and automatically.

It should be noted that the normal traflic system in use at present(FIG. 2) conforms to the diagram shown in FIG. 2. That is Phase 1, MainStreet, shows a green light (G followed by an amber light (A while Phase2, side street, shows a red light (R throughout. Then when Phase 1, MainStreet, shows a red light (R Phase 2, side street, shows a green light(G followed by an amber light (A thus terminating a complete cycle.

The relays, switches or means which are electrically, thermally, ormechanically controlled to open and close circuits are as follows:electrically controlled relays R and R (normally open) and relays R andR (normally closed), thermal relay R (normally open), a push buttonswitch B (normally closed), an on-off switch S (normally closed) and aswitch S normally extending across contacts BE but capable of beingoperated by the timer 13' to extend across contacts B-D. If the timer 13is mechanical, switch S would be mechanical, but if the timer iselectronic, the switch would be a relay or an electronic switch.

The diagram (FIG. 1) shows the device in an inoperative condition butcapable of transmitting current from the central stations remote flasheror time clock X through lines 14 and coil of relay R to the commonterminal C, and also through lines 14 and switch S (when it extendsacross BE) to the terminal FL, and flashing relays (not shown) connectedto the terminal FL are energized establishing a second light system.Also when current passes through the coils of relay R its normallyclosed switch is opened and the timer is deenergized and stops.

In addition, when the intersection shows a green light on the MainStreet, terminal G is energized and current travels along the line 15through the relay coil of R to the common terminal C, energizing itthereby and closing its switch.

When the relay switch R is closed, a current passes from terminal P(Power) through lines 16, relay switch R relay coil R (closing itsswitch) and to the common terminal. The closing of relay switch Rpermits power to travel across it from the normally closed switch ofrelay R through the normally closed push button switch B through thenormally closed switch of relay R through the normally closed switch Sand through timer 13 (starting its cycle) and back to the commonterminal C.

When the green light on the Main Street goes off, power ceases interminal G and line 16 and relay switch R opens, cutting off any currenttherethrough. However, as the current passes from terminal P throughline 17, the normally closed switch of relay R to contact D of switch Sand also through the switch of relay R push button switch B (normallyclosed), switch of relay R (normally closed), switch S (normally closed)to and through timer and back to common terminal C. It should be notedthat the de-energization of terminal G does not open the switch of relayR as the current from terminal P through line 17 and the switch of relayR also goes through its relay coil (holding its switch closed) and line16 to the common terminal C. Thus relay switch R becomes locked in aclosed position from the moment terminal G is energized until relayswitch R opens the circuit of line 17. Thus the timer continues tofunction even after the green light on the Main Street is de-energized.However, when the relay coil of R is de-energized and its switch is openand the relay of R is energized, opening its switch, all current fromterminal P to the timer is stopped and the timer resets.

When the amber light on the side street A is energized, current travelsfrom terminal A along line 18 through the coil of relay R energizing it,and opening its switch, cutting off the current from terminal P to thetimer. Thus current is fed to and operates the timer through the use ofcircuits 15, 16 and 17 from the instant terminal G is energized (greenlight on Main Street, Phase 1) until amber light A (Phase 2) isenergized on the side street. However, if A is not energized due to amalfunction in the controller then current continues to the timer and ifthe timer 13 operates overlong it throws its switch S to close contactsB-D. The closing of contacts B-D energizes a circuit from terminal P tothe flasher FL terminal.

The line 18, as well as extending across the coil of relay R extendsacross the coil of the thermal relay R If the amber light and itsterminal A are energized overlong, the relay coil of the thermal relay Rheat and close its switch, permitting current from terminal P (power) topass through lines 17 (heretofore defined), into and through line 19 andthrough line 16 (heretofore defined), to the timer. Thus, if the amberlight on the side street A stays on too long due to a malfunction in thecontroller, then the timer operates beyond its set cycle length andthrows its switch S from position B-E to position B-D.

When switch S closes contacts B-D, a circuit is established fromterminal P (power) through line 17 across switch 3-D and through line 14to flasher terminal FL, causing a flashing relay (not shown) to beenergized and so establishes a secondary light control over theintersection.

The on-off switch is used solely to disconnect the timer from allcircuits for its repair or resetting or while the controller is beingmanually operated.

The push button is used for momentary stoppage of the timer and for itsresetting.

It should be clearly understood that while I have described and shown mydevice with electronic and thermally operated relay switches, a pushbutton and an on-oif switch, other means capable of performing the samefunctions could be used, and a single switch could service the purposeof the on-off and push button switches.

The device 5t) (FIG. 3) is a slight modification of the device 10 makingit suitable for use with a semi-actuated normally stopped controller.The semi-actuated normally stopped controller usually is used on anintersection where traflic is very heavy on the Main Street and very:light on the side street. This pattern of traffic requires almost acontinuous green light on the Main Street and an irregular intermittentgreen light on the side street. Thus there is provided at theintersection a detector device which, when alerted, energizes thecontroller to commence its cyclical operation. After one pro-determinedcycle the controller automatically stops and the permanent green lightgoes on (on the Main Street) and continues until the detector againstarts the controller cycle. The controller here used is additionallyprovided with terminals D.P. (Detector Power) and D (Detector Device);the DP. terminal usually being provided with considerably less voltagethan the terminal P, and D terminal being connected to a detectordevice. The detector device is also connected to the controller in orderto alert it to commence its cycle.

The device 50 is similar to the device 10 except for the additionalrelay R whose relay coil is connected to terminals DP. and D. of thecontroller forming circuit 51, and for the introduction into the circuit15 (extending from terminal G through relay switch coil of relay R tothe common terminal C) of the switch of relay R Thus the energization ofcircuit 51 closes relay switch R and permits relay switch R to closewhen current is supplied to terminal G from the controller and the cycleis commenced. But when the detector no longer registers a presence,terminal D is deactivated, current ceases in circuit 51 and relay switchR opens thus causing the device 50 to stop at the end of the lightcycle. When the controller stops the green light goes on for the MainStreet.

It should be understood that while I have illustrated and described mydevice and a modification thereof in connection with a trafficintersection controller and for use as a secondary trafiic control Whenthe operating controller ceases to function for other than powerfailure, my device could also be used in connection with any industrialmachine controller having electric power terminals to which the circuitsdefined and illustrated herein could be secured, to act as a secondarymeans of control. Therefore, I do not limit myself to the preciseconstruction and use herein disclosed and I reserve the right to allchanges and modifications coming within the scope of the invention asdefined in any of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by United States patent is:

1. A circuit arrangement for actuating a safety device upon malfunctionof an outside power source, said arrangement comprising a first, second,and third switch, a timer, a timer switch, a constant power source,means for electrical connection to a constant power source, and aplurality of intermittent power source means for electrical connectionto a plurality of power sources,

said first switch being connected in series with said second switch andcomprising means for actuating said second switch upon actuation of saidfirst switch through a first of said plurality of intermittent powersource means,

said first switch being interconnected with said timer for actuatingsaid timer to time the duration of interconnection of said firstintermittent power source means with said circuit arrangement,

said timer switch comprising a means for actuating a signal if saidduration exceeds a pre-determined value,

said second switch being connected to said constant power source meansthrough said first switch and through said third switch,

said second switch also being connected with said timer independently ofsaid first switch,

said third switch being connected with a second intermittent powersource means which upon actuation causes de-actuation of said timer andsaid second switch.

2. A circuit arrangement for actuating a safety device upon malfunctionof an outside power source, said arrangement comprising a first, secondand third switch, a timer, a time switch, a time delay means, a constantpower source, means for electrical connection to a constant powersource, and a plurality of intermittent power source means forelectrical connection to a plurality of power sources,

said first switch being connected in series with said second switch andcomprising means for actuating said second switch upon actuation of saidfirst switch through a first of said plurality of intermittent powersource means,

said first switch being interconnected with said timer for actuatingsaid timer to time the duration of interconnection of said firstintermittent power source means with said circuit arrangement,

said timer switch comprising a means for actuating a signal if saidduration exceeds a predetermined value,

said second switch being connected to said constant power source meansthrough said first switch and through said third switch,

said second switch also being connected with said timer independently ofsaid first switch,

said third switch being connected with a second intermittent powersource means which upon actuation causes d e-actuation of said timer andsaid second switch,

said time delay means being connected in series with said third switchfor sensing a predetermined duration of interconnection of said secondintermittent power source means to cause actuation of a signal.

3. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said timedelay means comprises a thermal relay connected in series wit-h saidtimer.

4. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first,second and third switches are relays.

5. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said timerswitch is connected in series with a light source,

and means for interconnecting said light source with a signal from acentral station.

6. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said meansfor interconnecting said light source includes a relay means forisolating said timer from said constant power source means and saidplurality of intermittent power source means.

7. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said meansfor interconnecting said light source includes a portion of said timerswitch.

8. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein a relay ispositioned between said first intermittent power source means and saidfirst switch,

said relay having means for interconnection with an outside powersource.

9. In an auxiliary trafiic control apparatus for use in conjunction witha trafiic signal light controller having a plurality of different lightsouces, to flash a warning light upon failure of said signal lightcontroller to follow a preset change pattern, the improvementcomprising,

means responsive to the duration of time that any one of said lightsources is actuated for automatically giving a visual indication whensaid duration of time exceeds a predetermined value.

10. The improvement in accordance with claim 9 wherein said meanscomprises an independent power source, a timer and a flashing lightsource,

means for selectively connecting said independent power source with saidflashing light source through said timer upon actuation of said timer byany one of said light sources exceeding said predetermined value.

11. The improvement in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means forselectively connecting comprises at least two relays connected togetherin series.

12. The improvement in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means forselectively connecting further comprises a third relay in series with atime delay means for deactuating said two relays and actuating saidtimer when said third relay is actuated beyond a predetermined durationof time.

13. The improvement in accordance with claim '12 wherein said time delaymeans comprises a thermal relay.

14. An auxiliary control device for use as a replacement for a controldevice provided with a constant elec tric power source, a plurality ofintermittent power sources, a common source and an alarm terminal, saidauxiliary control device comprised of a plurality of circuits having aplurality of switches and switch motivating means, a timer, a switchoperated by said timer and a plurality of connecting means,

a first of said circuits being connected by a portion of said connectingmeans to an intermittent power source and to a common source and havingthe first of said switch motivating means in said first circuit,

a second of said circuits being connected by said connecting means tothe constant electric power source and to the common source and havingin its circuit, in series, the first switch and a second switchmotivating means, and in parallel with said second switch motivatingmeans a second switch operated by said second switch motivating meansand a third switch, and a portion of said second circuit extending froma contact on said second switch to and through the timer to the commonterminal,

a third of said circuits being connected by a portion of said connectingmeans to a second intermittent power source and to said common terminaland in said third circuit a third switch motivating means capable ofactivating said third switch,

a fourth circuit extending from the constant power source to a contactof the timer switch and from a second contact of the timer switch to thesaid alarm terminal,

whereby when the first and third switch motivating means arede-activated opening said first, second and third switches, current tothe timer ceases.

15. A device as defined in claim 14 and its third circuit having inaddition an electrically motivating timing means positioned in parallelwith said third switch motivating means and a fourth switch actuated bysaid electrical timing means,

and a fifth circuit connecting said fourth switch to the constant powersource and to and through the timer to the common terminal whereby thepower from the second intermittent power source through the electricaltiming means controls the duration of time the fifth circuit and thetimer are energized.

16. An arrangement of circuits in accordance with claim 14 and inaddition an electrically motivated timing means positioned in parallelwith said third switch motivating means and a fourth switch actuated bysaid electrical timing means,

and a fifth circuit connecting said fourth switch to the constant powersource and to the alarm terminal.

No references cited.

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner. THOMAS B. HABECKER, Examiner.

1. A CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR ACTUATING A SAFETY DEVICE UPON MALFUNCTIONOF AN OUTSIDE POWER SOURCE, SAID ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A FIRST, SECOND,AND THIRD SWITCH, A TIMER, A TIMER SWITCH, A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE,MEANS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE, AND APLURALITY OF INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONTO A PLURALITY OF POWER SOURCES, SAID FIRST SWITCH BEING CONNECTED INSERIES WITH SAID SECOND SWITCH AND COMPRISING MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAIDSECOND SWITCH UPON ACTUATION OF SAID FIRST SWITCH THROUGH A FIRST OFSAID PLURALITY OF INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS, SAID FIRST SWITCHBEING INTERCONNECTED WITH SAID TIMER FOR ACTUATING SAID TIMER TO TIMETHE DURATION OF INTERCONNECTION OF SAID FIRST INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCEMEANS WITH SAID CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT, SAID TIMER SWITCH COMPRISING AMEANS FOR ACTUATING A SIGNAL IF SAID DURATION EXCEEDS A PRE-DETERMINEDVALUE, SAID SECOND SWITCH BEING CONNECTED TO SAID CONSTANT POWER SOURCEMEANS THROUGH SAID FIRST SWITCH AND THROUGH SAID THIRD SWITCH, SAIDSECOND SWITCH ALSO BEING CONNECTED WITH SAID TIMER INDEPENDENTLY OF SAIDFIRST SWITCH, SAID THIRD SWITCH BEING CONNECTED WITH A SECONDINTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS WHICH UPON ACTUATION CAUSES DE-ACTUATIONOF SAID TIMER AND SAID SECOND SWITCH.